Sam was born, raised and educated in Idaho.  He graduated from University of Idaho with a business degree and was immediately commissioned into the US Army as a result of ROTC.  He commenced active duty as a Second Lieutenant.  He flew helicopters in Vietnam and his decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross.  After active duty, Sam was in various National Guard Units as an aviation officer serving an additional six years in reserve status. 

Sam was heavily involved in motorcycle riding in the early-mid seventies, but took a break from riding while raising two sons.  After active duty with the Army, Sam returned to Boise and received a Master of Business Administration degree from Boise State University.  Sam put his business education to work as a civilian Contracting Officer for the US Air Force serving in Washington DC, Brigham City, Utah, and Los Angeles, CA.  Sam accepted an appointment as Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation serving five years.  The Bureau of Reclamation offered Sam the opportunity to return home to Boise and he served eight years doing construction, service and supply contracts in support of Grand Coulee Dam (primarily) until 1992, when he accepted a Contracting Officer position with the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. After 36 years of government service, Sam retired.  He was chief of aviation contracts for the Department of the Interior, Office of Aircraft Services at the time he retired. 

Sam is a veteran instructor with the Idaho STAR motorcycle safety training program.  He and his wife, Sandy, enjoy long distance motorcycle touring and camping.  They are members of GWRRA, GWTA, UMCI, and HOG motorcycle organizations and enjoy club rallies and events year round.